“I just never thought I'd belong anywhere," I whisper. He strokes my jaw with his thumbs again. "Izumi, you are a world unto yourself. Build your own space. One meant uniquely for you." My thoughts exactly.” True LovePrincessEncouragingBodyguard RomanceSupportive Relationship Book:Tokyo Ever After Source: Tokyo Ever After
“I lose my breath, find it again. I don't want to break this spell. I'm completely besotted. In love with Kyoto, with Japan. We come to the end, to the palace gates as they open. At the gate, I turn and bow. Thank you. Mr. Fuchigami is there, enjoying the lanterns with the rest of the staff. "Your Highness, did you enjoy your dinner?" he asks. I nod. Can he see how happy I am? How my eyes shine with joy? He steps toward me. "You've won the heart of Kyoto." The lantern bearers surround me and all at once, they let go. Glowing orbs drift to the sky in a perfect circle of light. It's beautiful. Truly beautiful. A golden crown.” JapanPrincessKyotoGracious Act Book:Tokyo Ever After Source: Tokyo Ever After
“All eyes were turned to the newly minted princess, Her Imperial Highness Princess Izumi, aka the Lost Butterfly. The wedding marked her first formal entrance into Japan society. Would she fly---or fall? HIH Princess Izumi certainly dressed the part in a jade silk gown and Mikimoto pearls, pulled from the imperial vaults and gifted by the empress.” LostPrincessButterflyEnsembleArticleImperial Book:Tokyo Ever After Source: Tokyo Ever After
“Careless of her own life, the princess sought to protect the precious new life first. This is in contrast to her cousins, Princesses Akiko and Noriko, who shoved their imperial guards in front of them." Mariko stops and takes one overexcited breath. Her cheeks are flushed. She is dreamy-eyed. This is what gets her excited. Good to know. "They compare you to the empress after the 1923 earthquake!" The empress rolled up her sleeves and laid bricks for a new school. She refused to leave until the town was fed, the children safe. There is a famous picture of her hugging a mother who lost her son, both of their cheeks coated in dust. "They end with calling you our very own royal." Words fail me. Mariko seems to know I need a private moment. She places the article in my lap, then glides out the door. When she's gone, I pick it up. I rub my thumb over the last sentence of the article. It's not the royal part that warms me. No, it's the other two words. Very own, it says. Very own. Yes. That's me. A true daughter of Japan.” JapanPrincessHeroineSense Of BelongingComparison To OthersTabloid Book:Tokyo Ever After Source: Tokyo Ever After
“You went to save her son before yourself." His voice drops and he says quietly to me, "You shouldn't have done that." "Of course I should've," I volley back. He stands there and exhales slowly. The tension eases from his body. "You're right," he says, voice measured, deliberate, soft. There's a glint in his eyes, unguarded and affectionate. "My mistake. I won't forget again. You lead with your heart.” PrincessRescuing OthersLead With The Heart Book:Tokyo Ever After Source: Tokyo Ever After